Air-Fried Pierogies: A Quick, Crispy, And Delicious Treat

Pierogies are a traditional Polish dumpling, also eaten throughout Eastern Europe, that can be cooked in an air fryer. They are made from unleavened dough and stuffed with either a sweet or savoury filling. The most common filling is mashed potatoes, which is often flavoured with cheese or onions. They can also be filled with meat, fruit, or sauerkraut. Pierogies are usually boiled or pan-fried, but cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative that results in a crispier texture.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for pierogies in an air fryer will depend on whether they are frozen or fresh, and the size of the pierogies. If you are cooking frozen pierogies, you should preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are cooking fresh pierogies, you can set the temperature to between 380 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

For frozen pierogies, you should cook them for 10 to 15 minutes. It is recommended to flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. You can also spritz or brush them with olive oil before cooking to achieve a crispier texture. If you are cooking fresh pierogies, reduce the cooking time to 8 to 10 minutes. For mini pierogies, they will cook in about 8 minutes.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Additionally, if you prefer your pierogies to be extra crispy, you can cook them for a few extra minutes.

How to prepare the pierogies

Pierogies are a traditional Polish dumpling, also eaten throughout Eastern Europe. They are made from unleavened dough and stuffed with either a sweet or savoury filling. Popular fillings include mashed potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, meat, or fruit. They are typically boiled or pan-fried, but air frying is a healthier alternative that gives them a crispy texture.

To prepare pierogies in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 390–400°F. If you are using frozen pierogies, there is no need to thaw them first. Lightly coat the pierogies with olive oil by brushing or tossing them, this will help to achieve a crispier texture. Place the pierogies in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. Depending on the brand and size of the pierogies, cook them for 8–15 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. They are ready when they are golden brown and crispy.

You can also season the pierogies with your favourite spices or herbs, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika. However, be mindful of the salt content as pierogies may already contain salt.

Air fryer pierogies can be served as a snack, side dish, or main course. They go well with a variety of toppings and dips, such as sour cream, onions, mushrooms, or sausage. For a more traditional Polish topping, try caramelized onions, mushrooms, cabbage, or vegetables.

How to cook the pierogies

Pierogies are a traditional Polish dish, also eaten throughout Eastern Europe, that can be cooked in an air fryer with minimal preparation. They can be made from scratch or store-bought, and can be cooked from frozen or fresh.

Ingredients

To cook pierogies in an air fryer, you will need:

• Frozen or fresh pierogies
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt and other seasonings (optional)
• Dipping sauce or toppings (optional)

Method

First, preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F. If you are using frozen pierogies, there is no need to thaw them first. Lightly coat the pierogies in olive oil or cooking spray and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It is fine if they overlap a little, but they should not be stacked as this will affect how evenly they cook.

Next, cook the pierogies for 8-15 minutes at 390-400°F. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the pierogies over. They are ready to be removed from the air fryer when they are golden brown and crispy.

Finally, let the pierogies cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be served with a dipping sauce, such as sour cream, or toppings such as onions, mushrooms, or cheese.

How to serve the pierogies

Pierogies are delicious served on their own as a snack or side dish, or you can serve them as a main dish with your favourite vegetables. They also make a great appetiser.

If you want to serve them as a more substantial meal, you could try pairing them with Polish sausage, or kielbasa, and sautéed vegetables. You could also try a stone ground mustard vinaigrette, made with whole grain mustard, olive oil, and red wine vinegar.

For a traditional Polish topping, you can use caramelized onions, mushrooms, sausage, cabbage, or even vegetables. You could also serve them with a dip or sauce, such as sour cream, marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or tzatziki.

What to serve the pierogies with

Pierogies are delicious on their own but can be served with a variety of sides and toppings. Sour cream is perhaps the most traditional topping for pierogies, and they are also commonly served with butter, dill, chives, bacon, and fried or caramelized onions. For a more substantial meal, pierogies can be served with meat such as kielbasa, chicken, or salmon, or with a classic stew or Borscht (a sour beet soup). For a vegetarian option, pierogies can be served with a vegetable side dish such as roasted root vegetables, leafy greens, or a salad. They also go well with Polish dishes such as cabbage, mushrooms, or sausage.

Frequently asked questions